Betty Ball

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Betty Jane Ball, 91, of Neosho, MO, died on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, at the Seneca House in Seneca, MO after a lengthy illness.

She was born Oct. 17, 1926, in El Dorado, AR to Ernest and Nellie (Dean) Stallings.

She married Bill Ball on June 16, 1950, in El Dorado. They moved to Neosho in 1960 from Carthage, MO, and lived here the rest of their lives. He preceded her in death on Jan. 31, 1996.

She was a longtime educator, teaching 25 years in Arkansas, Carthage, Seneca and Goodman. She was honored to teach the last eighth grade class in Goodman. She also received the Neosho District Teacher of the Year award in 1988. Following her retirement from public school education, she volunteered at the Neosho Christian School.

She was a longtime member of the Hillcrest Church of Christ and taught Bible school for many years.

She was known by many as a sweet, kind and gentle Lady and an exceptional teacher.

At her side when Betty died was her best friend, caregiver and daughter-in-law Glynda Ball.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by an infant son, James Dean Ball on Jan. 28, 1969, two brothers and a sister.

Survivors include children: John and Glynda Ball, Donald (Buzz) and Lanette Ball, and Cheryl and Jim Langley, all of Neosho; grandchildren, July Livingston, Matt and Kari Ball, Josh Ball, Jeremy and Amber Ball, Emily Ripley, Sarah and Scott Rupard, Jessica and Terry Trudell, Peggy and Buck Alexander, Rebecca and John Sotirkys and Thomas and Brittani Langley; 22 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Visitation will be from 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018, at the Clark Funeral Home in Neosho.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3, 2018, at the Hillcrest Church of Christ in Neosho with Don Deffenbaugh officiating.
Interment will follow at Neosho Memorial Park Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Matt Ball, Josh Ball, Jeremy Ball, Terry Trudell, Scott Rupard, Kevin Wilson, Bill Reiboldt and Rick Hyder. The casket will remain closed at all times.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Betty’s honor may be sent to the Neosho Christian School, c/o Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 66; Neosho, MO 64850.